Kerala rains wreak havoc: 3 killed, 7 fishermen go missing

Seven fishermen out of the eight who ventured into the sea from Vizhinjam and Neendakkara were reported missing. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had warned fishermen against venturing out to sea due to the presence of strong winds from the north-westerly direction reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains in the state have led to a flood-like situation in Kerala. Three people have died and seven fishermen in the state have gone missing.

Deaths caused due to the havoc wreaked by the rain were reported from Kannur, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. The deceased have been identified as Manathanath Badarul from Kannur, who drowned in a pond in the district and TV Koshi from Pathanamthitta, who fell into a river while fishing. A Kollam native, also, died after a coconut fell on his head due to heavy winds.

Seven fishermen out of eight from Vizhinjam and Neendakkara who ventured into the sea were reported missing.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert to Kasaragod on Saturday, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Sunday and Kozhikode, Wayanad and Idukki on Monday. Rain in excess of 204 mm is also expected in these districts.

Fishermen living on the coast of Kerala and Lakshadweep area have been cautioned not to venture out to sea due to the presence of strong winds from the north-westerly direction reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.

Last month, four people were killed in the state due to heavy rains. Two pedestrians were electrocuted as power lines fell into a waterlogged area. The incident occurred at Pettah in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Another man died after an uprooted tree fell on him in Kochi. A Kerala State Electricity Board contract employee died after he fell from an electric pole during heavy rain. Rajesh fell from the pole while he was busy with the maintenance work on the electric post. He was taken to hospital immediately but succumbed to injuries.